The American Civil Jury for Auslander (Foreigners)

Abstract

This Article addresses the criticisms and complaints often espoused by critics of the American civil jury system, both foreign and domestic. In doing so, the Author reviews a substantial body of empirical and observational research, including his own, regarding jury conduct and performance. The Author contends that civil juries are capable of understanding and analyzing the cases that are presented to them and are largely fair and unbiased in rendering their decisions. The Author concludes that most, if not all, unfavorable perceptions of the civil jury are erroneous and result primarily from misleading media reports and a lack of familiarity with the American civil jury system.